Slimmer backs NICE drive to ‘lose a little’

A WEST Dorset man who rapidly gained weight after he was diagnosed with a heart condition is backing new NHS guidelines to ‘lose a little and keep it off’ for life.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) wants overweight people sent to slimming classes with the aim of a three per cent weight loss.

Chris Powell, who lost nearly four stones at Slimming World in Beaminster, is urging people to take notice.

The 46-year-old’s problems started when he was taken to the doctors with a suspected heart attack two years ago.

He was taken to Dorset County Hospital and told his heart rate had risen to 180 beats per minute – and was also diagnosed with heart condition Atrial Fibrillation.

Mr Powell said: “Over the next year I stopped doing any real exercise and I stopped exerting myself in any way that would cause my heart rate to rise and I began to realise I was unconsciously scared that my heart would speed up again and not slow down.

“I also realised how much weight I had put on.

He added: “I was never small but I had risen to 20 stone.”

His weight concerns sparked a visit to the doctor who issued Mr Powell with 50 per cent off gym membership and 12 weeks free at Slimming World.

He said that he has lost weight by eating healthily and going to the gym.

Two in three adults in England are overweight – with a BMI higher than 25. Someone weighing 15st 10lb would need to lose just over six pounds to cut their weight by three per cent.

NICE said even such a small loss – probably of just a few pounds – would cut blood pressure and reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes and some cancers.

Mr Powell, of Mosterton, said: “I fully support the NHS GP referrals as it worked for me.“ Many decide to carry on their weight loss journey after the 12 weeks has passed and achieve the target weight, BMI, dress size set.

“Good food, good support, great results.”

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He thanked the Slimming World group which meets every Wednesday in Beaminster Public Hall.

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